Hobgoblin launches campaign to scrap beer duty escalator

The campaign, highlighted on the cover of this week’s the Publican’s Morning Advertiser (PMA), aims to collect enough signatures to force the Government to devote Parliamentary time to discussing the issue. Petitions gaining more than 100,000 signatures could lead to a debate in the House of Commons.

Every year, the beer tax escalator increases the tax on beer by 2% above the rate of inflation, adding more pressure on the pub trade. Campaigners say scrapping the beer duty escalator at next month’s Budget will keep beer more affordable for consumers and safeguard thousands of pub industry jobs.

Chris Keating, marketing manager at Wychwood Brewery, which brews Hobgoblin, said: “There seems to be a consensus that each year we beer drinkers just accept a rise in tax as the norm — it’s time to show our aggravation and shout louder. “The Hobgoblin is the perfect front man for such a campaign because he has a loyal fan base. We want to unite trade and consumer support and continue the campaign beyond the next Budget.”

The campaign will kick off with a launch event on 7 March with MP Greg Mulholland, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Save the Pub Group. He said: “This campaign will not only go some way to highlighting the beer duty escalator, but also encourage people to go into their local and show their support.”

Other activity to rally signatures includes online advertising, personal appearances by the Hobgoblin and social media activity. PMA readers can sign the petition via www.wychwood.co.uk​